Improvement in school-desks and seats



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/Mm/ jam No. 121,28?. y Patented Nov. 28,1871.

Lummwnllllgm UNITED STATES WENDELL I). HOOD, OF WINONA, MINNESOTA.

IMPROVEMENT IN SCHOOLFDESKS AND SEATS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 121,287, dated November 2S, 1871; antedated November 11, 1871.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, WENDELL l?. Hoon, ofy Winona, in the county of Winona and State of Minnesota, have invented certain Improvements in School-Desks and Seats, of which the follow-l ing is a specification:

My invention consists in certain improvements in school-desks and seats, as hereinafter more especially described.

Figure l is a transverse vertical section of my improved desk and seat. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the same, with a portion broken away to show the spring-catch; and Fig. 3 is a portion ofthe standard or frame, showing the spring for arresting the motion of the seat, and also showing the ink-well attached.

In constructing my improved desk I provide a pair of end pieces or standards, A, which have their upper front corners formed on a curve, as represented in Fig 1. To these standards I secure a board, D, which forms the back of the seat, and which serves to unite the end pieces firmly together. To the front of the standards A I pivot a seat, C, at the point o, the rear ends of the arms J of the seat extending back of the pivot, as represented more clearly in Fig. 3. To the inside of one of the standards A I secure a spring, f, a-s shown in Figs. 2 and 3, between which and the standard this projecting end of the arm J slides, as the seat is turned down, thus causing it to come gradually to a state of rest, and preventing any shock or noise. The desk proper is made with two end-frames, T, which have their upper front corners curved or rounded to correspond with the standards A to which they are pivoted, as indicated at a, Fig. l. These ames T are connected by a bottom board, P, which serves as a shelf for books, Src., and also by a curved board, R, fitted to their front ends, as shown in Fig. l. Upon the top of these frames T is secured a top, B, which may consist of any suitable wood, and which has inserted in its upper side, so as to occupy a large portion of its surface and be iiush therewith, a slate, h, as shown in Figs. l and 2. This slate may be formed of a suitable piece of stone set into the wood, or it may be made of the silicate-paper, or it may be formed by applying a suitable preparation directly to the top B, as may be preferred. The seat and desk are connected by a rod, b, which has its upper end pivoted to the lower front corner of the frame T of the desk, its lower end being pivoted to the arm J of the seat at the point d, Fig. l, just in rear of the pivot by which the seat is pivoted to the standard A, the rod b being bent so as to pass behind the back D, alongside of the standard A, entirely out of the way. By this means the seat is caused to fold up against the back whenever the desk is turned up. A spring-bolt, c, is secured to the frame T under the top B, so as to lit and lock into a hole in the standard A, by which means the desk and seat are locked in position when down, there being another hole also to lock them when turned up. As it is obvious that an ink-well cannot be used on a tipping-desk, I make special provision for it by forming on the inner face of one or both of the standards A a socket or ring, E, to receive and hold it, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. By this means also I prevent the spilling or splattering ofthe ink upon the desk.

From the above description the operation will be readily understood.' When it is desired, for any purpose, to fold up the seats, the bolt c is drawn out of its hole in the standard, andthe desk turned up, which also folds up the seat by actuating the rod b. By securing the slate h permanently in the top B all dropping, rattling, and breaking the slates, so usual and objectionable in schools, is prevented. It also forms a smooth, firm surface, and prevents the possibility of the slates becoming lost or displaced. The desk and seat both folded up leaves ample room for the pupils, and also for sweeping and all similar purposes. The whole forms a very neat and ornamental device, while answering every required purpose of a desk and seat.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is l. The combined folding-desk and seat, constructed and arranged to operate 'substantially as described.

2. The spring f, applied to the standard A, in combination with the rearwardly-projecting arm J of the seat, arranged and operating substantially as herein set forth.

3. The socket E, or its equivalent, arrangedupon the standard A for receiving and holding the ink-well, substantially as set forth.

Witnesses: WENDELL P. HOOD.

WM. NEWMAN, THOMAS MILLER. 

